Over the years I've seen harpers post uses for security tags you
find on cds and other products.
I finally decided to take one apart. Besides using the thin metal
strips to gauge the lining of reeds in the slots another thing
you can do with it is lift blow reeds on both diatonic and
chromatic harps for tuning without the need to poke an object
inside to raise it.
I've been using very thin feeler gauge to do the same thing for
over 10 years now but found it can be done with the security strips
as well.
Take one piece of the metal and cut a narrow strip off the metal
strip enough to slide it down the front of the reed slot. Cut it
just long enough to go down past the reed and be able to catch it
underneath. Next pull up while pulling the down the strip toward
you. Bala bing! the spring action forces the reed to pop up
through the slot. You will need to slide a thicker piece of feeler
gauge under the reed to support it while tuning.
I was going to market a reed lifter using feeler gauge but decided
to make the idea public domain. Enjoy.
Michael Easton
www.harmonicarepair.com